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The Massacre of the Innocents with the Flight into Egypt, from "The Life of the Virgin"

ca. 1500
Not on view
Israhel a practicing goldsmith, was also one of the most prolific and innovative fifteen-century masters of the related art of engraving. The Massacre of the innocents belongs to Van Meckenem's series of twelve prints depicting The Life of the Virgin. A gory scene takes place in the foreground in which the male children are run through with swords all around King Herod who is seated on a throne with a smile on his face. Meanwhile, the window in the upper right shows Joseph leading away the Virgin Mary and the Christ child. The series relates to paintings by the elder Hans Holbein, but it is likely that Van Meckenem contributed some of the lively detail to the scene.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Massacre of the Innocents with the Flight into Egypt, from "The Life of the Virgin"
  • Series/Portfolio: The Life of the Virgin
  • Artist: Israhel van Meckenem (German, Meckenem ca. 1440/45–1503 Bocholt)
  • Artist: After Hans Holbein the Elder (German, ca. 1465–1524)
  • Date: ca. 1500
  • Medium: Engraving
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 10 11/16 × 7 1/4 in. (27.2 × 18.5 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Gift of M. Feltenstein, 2021
  • Object Number: 2021.366
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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Lute Player and Harpist, from Scenes of Daily Life, Israhel van Meckenem German, Engraving
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Head of an Elderly Man with a Long Beard and Turban, Israhel van Meckenem German, Engraving
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Israhel van Meckenem
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Shield for the Field or Tournament (Targe), Wood, leather, linen, gesso, pigments, silver, German
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